In the SOD1-G93A mouse model of ALS, we have previously reported that disease onset is significantly anticipated and disease progression is worsened in mice genetically lacking P2X7, thus suggesting that the receptor has beneficial effects at least during a precise stage of the disease that is however still undefined (Apolloni et al., 2013a). The gene discussed is P2RX7; the disease is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.